Mother Knows Best, Top Picks From Our =PR= Moms
Mother’s Day Weekend is here which means if you haven’t already ran out to pick up a gift for your #1 then you better do so quickly! We asked the experts at =PR= Run and Walk and here’s what our moms had to say are the gifts they can’t go without and the races they love to run and walk! After all, mother knows best so these gifts must be great!
Shamika, =PR= Reston and One Loudoun
My favorite shoe is the Hoka Clifton 8! I love these shoes because they are comfortable and give the illusion as if you are running on clouds! The shoe fits the shape of my foot! I really like the Nathan QuickSqueeze12oz Insulated Handheld bottle! I am settling into what I like to take with me on my runs and I don't like anything that typically will weigh me down for example, waist pack. The Nathan quick squeeze is easily held and light. My favorite race is the Army 10-miler. This is my favorite race because of the camaraderie and fellowship between Soldiers and military as a whole. The level of support provided to the Soldiers give you a sense of meaning and motivation to conquer anything.
Kim, =PR= Apparel and Accessory Buyer
My favorite shoes are the Saucony Omni. It has the stability my feet need to support my walk around the neighborhood, playing a (not so competitive) game of family pickleball, standing at a track meet, or walking around the baseball fields that I spend so much of my time at. My favorite product is the apparel of course, and it's hard to pick just one! My most recent favorite are the =PR= brand essential shorts. They are light and breezy, and perfect for just about anything; running errands, doing yard work, and I have a feeling they will be worn quite a bit sitting next to the hot turf fields all summer long. My favorite race is really just racing to keep up with my kids' sports schedules and just how many places I can be to watch them do their thing. But if I had to choose an actual race it would be the Drumstick Dash 5K on Thanksgiving day. A family event that now has the boys running to see if they can beat their Dad, while I go at a much slower pace walking and people watching.
Tamika, =PR= Burke and Springfield
My favorite running shoe is the Hoka Bondi because of the cushion, but yet not a significant drop. It was my go-to shoe while recovering from some running injuries and has been reliable beyond 500 miles. My favorite product =PR= sells are the Honey Stinger Waffles and Chews. They are easy to consume during a race, running errands or when I need a quick snack. My favorite race is the Army Ten Miler. I found 10-miles to be my sweet spot in distance running and I enjoy the scenery while running through D.C. and Arlington.
Amy, =PR= Leesburg and One Loudoun
My favorite shoe is the Brooks Ghost. It has all the cushion I need for a nice smooth run. That wider Brooks toe box works perfectly for me too. Each mile is as comfortable as the last. I love the Jelly Belly Sports Beans. These are great to have and enjoy before/after a run for energy, hydration, and a vitamin boost too. I even like to take them with me on long walks or trail hikes too. My favorite race is the Ashburn Farm Turkey Trot 10K. I have run this 12 times in 13 years. Thanksgiving would not be the same without this fun morning run.
Kristin, =PR= Burke and Fairfax
My favorite shoe is either the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 or the Cloudflyer 4. I run in Brooks and wear On for everything else! I love the Vuori joggers - cozy, lightweight, and looks great on everyone. As for my favorite race, the Birthday Bash 5K. I can always convince my family to run with me (cupcakes!).
Katie, =PR= Springfield
My favorite shoes are the Saucony Rides; they have the ideal balance of firmness and cushion that allows me to run comfortably at any distance. My favorite product from =PR= is the =PR= Originals Performance High Neck Tank; it's the perfect tank top to wear whether I'm going for a run, or running to get my oldest son to the bus stop on time! My favorite race distance is the half marathon, although my favorite race experience was the Spring Classic 10k this past March, because I got to run it with a friend and fellow mom!
Elise, =PR= Creative Director
My favorite shoes are just about any Trail shoe. They are perfect for day to day activities with my favorite girl and also for trips to the trail and park too! My favorite item is the entire =PR= Originals collection. I love the soft feel of the shirts and all the new spring colors. My favorite race has to be the Turkey Day 5K. I love to go out in the morning with the family and log a few miles before the big feast. My second favorite race (which is not really a race and not one I have done) - my daughter did =PR= Youth Track this year and I loved watching her run!
Lauren, =PR= Marketing and Online Sales Manager
My current favorite shoe is the ASICS Nimbus 25. It is so soft and springy and the perfect shoe for all my stroller walks and runs. I have so many favorite =PR= products it's hard to choose! I love goodrs, Balega socks, Sprints hats and of course the =PR= Graphic tees! I have so many =PR= graphic tees, I can't even count! It's so hard to pick my favorite race but I'd have to say the Firecracker 5K. I love the energy of that race, it's so much fun!
Terri, =PR= Race Director
My favorite shoes are the Saucony Ride! They are great for all my miles and a lot of time spent on my feet on race day from start to end! My go to product are the race day tees! I love wearing them out and about. Favorite race … That’s way too hard of a question to answer. My favorite part about race day is seeing all the runners and catching up with all of our friends!
Gina, =PR= Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator
My favorite shoes are the Brooks Glycerin. I love the extra cushion they give when Tony and I are out on a run or playing at the playground. My favorite product from =PR= is the XACT bars, they are a quick snack to grab and go on the run, running errands, or just when I need a pick me up! My favorite race… that’s a tough one but probably one of three… The Boston Marathon, the hype is all that - I hope to bring Tony to Boston one day and join me in the fun! The Mother’s Day 4 Miler, Tony and I’s first official race, and any race that Tony and I do… one of his first words was Go!
Christie, =PR= Springfield and Burke
My favorite shoe is the Altra Lone Peak because when I am not pushing my kids in the stroller I like to get out on the trails. The Lone Peaks have lots of traction and plenty of wiggle room in the toe box for long days plus some extra protection for all those roots that I can't seem to avoid. My favorite product are the Shokz headphones. They are so comfortable and I can listen to my podcasts while still being aware of traffic around me. I don't have a favorite race. I get so excited about all of the different races out there I end up finding new ones every year in hopes to eventually getting to run everything I can. However, last year my son ran Cherry Blossom with me (well, I ran and he rode in the stroller) and he still remembers exactly where the route went. I love that as we are driving or running around DC he points out the places that were part of that route. He also carried a cheer sign of his creation for the whole race that said "No Running". His big sister was at the finish line, her sign said "Run Fast. Then Go Home".
Christina, =PR= Fairfax, Burke, Springfield
My favorite shoes are the Brooks Adrenaline. I love the support they provide, and they are the perfect long run & marathon shoe. My favorite product from =PR= are the =PR= brand t-shirts & tanks. I love the feel and the colors, super comfortable! My favorite race I've ever ran was the Napa Half marathon. It was such a beautiful course. My 2nd favorite is the Shamrock Marathon, as the swag & course support is amazing... As for my favorite local races I love the parkway classic, the patriot run, =PR= 4th of July races & MCM.